Introduction

The history of spice is almost as old as human civilization. Spices were among the most valuable items of trade in ancient and medieval times. As long ago as 3500 BC the ancient Egyptians were using various spices for flavoring food, in cosmetics, and for embalming their dead.
The use of spices spread through the Middle East to the eastern Mediterranean and Europe. Spices from China, Indonesia, India, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) were originally transported overland by donkey or camel caravans. For almost 5000 years, Arab middlemen controlled the spice trade, until European explorers discovered a sea route to India and other spice producing countries in the East.
Many maritime journeys were undertaken to find a more cost-effective method of obtaining spices. To name a few, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Christopher Columbus. After travelling through Africa in 1497, the Portuguese Vasco da Gama found Kozhikode on India's southwest coast in 1498. He returned with a massive haul of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns.


Indian Spices: A Journey of History and Flavor

When it comes to spices, it's difficult not to think of India first. Regional spices have been utilized in India for millennia, both in cuisine and in traditions like Ayurvedic healing. The most prominent spice market in the world is India.
They are the leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the world. There are 75 distinct kinds of foreign spices that they produce. India’s most popular herbs include turmeric, cumin, coriander, black cardamom, pepper and cinnamon. Indian spices are well-known for their flavor, texture, scent, and medicinal properties. The majority of the spice is exported to Europe and the United States.

Popular Spice Blends & Cuisine

The favorite pantry staples categories of each cuisine.
  • Chinese Five Spice - (Chinese, Taiwanese)
    Ingredients: Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel, star anise, and cloves.
  • Jamaican Jerk – (American, BBQ)
    Ingredients: Cayenne pepper, Scotch bonnet, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, allspice, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, pimento.
  • Berbere – (African)
    Ingredients: Cayenne pepper, chiles, paprika, onion powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, fenugreek, garlic powder, peppercorn, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves.
  • Cajun Spice – (Cajun & Creole, American)
    Ingredients: Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, oregano, paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes.
  • Chili Powder - (Mexican, American)
    Ingredients: Cayenne, paprika, chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt.
  • Curry Powder – (Indian)
    Ingredients: Turmeric, black pepper, garlic powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, lemongrass, kaffir lime, cinnamon, anise, fennel, mustard seed, fenugreek, cloves, cardamom, mace.
  • Herbes de Provence – (French, Mediterranean)
    Ingredients: Oregano, bay leaf, tarragon, thyme, marjoram, savory, rosemary, basil.
  • Pumpkin Spice – (American)
    Ingredients: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice
  • Tajin – (Mexican)
    Ingredients: Dehydrated lime, salt, and árbol, guajillo, and pasilla chiles.
  • Za’atar - (Middle Eastern, Mediterranean)
    Ingredients: Oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, dill, orange zest, hyssop, caraway.

Categories

Herbs & Seasonings

Herbs & Seasonings
Spices and herbs are defined as plant derived substances that add flavor to...
Salt & Pepper

Salt & Pepper
Salt and pepper is the common name for edible salt and ground black pepper,...
Rubs

Rubs
A flavoring blend of herbs, salt, spices and sometimes sugar is called a "r...
Marinades

Marinades
Simple marinades of oil, herbs, and spices are great for raw vegetable crud...